Social Class and the Hidden Curriculum of Work

Kelly O’Neill

English 1100 3J

September 24, 2015

Position on Social Class

 The purpose of Jean Anyon’s essay about Social Class and the Hidden Curriculum of Work is to give insight about the learning environment on every social class of education. It is stereotypical to believe that the lower the social class you are in the less intelligent you are. Anyon observed five elementary schools over the course of a full school year and concluded that our futures are already planned out for us solely based off of our family’s income. However, I don’t believe this is true. I went to what is considered a middle class school from kindergarten to my senior year of high school. I attended a public school in NJ. There were students from all social classes, but we were all taught the same information and the same way. ANYONE who had questions would have them answered. ANYONE who needed extra help we would get it. There was no separation of social class; we were all united and had the same opportunities before us. Jean Anyon wrote this article dating back to 1980 and I believe that our society has changed immensely and for the better, since that study. It bothers me so much that those that were in working class schools had no say in the classroom. If they did not understand something, a teacher would rarely go over it again and if they did they would explain it the same exact way as they did the first time. Teachers taught as if there was only one way to explain something and if a student didn’t understand, it would be their loss. The only thing I know for sure is that being enrolled in a middle class public school taught me as much as any other student and that success in the classroom can have a lot to do with the teacher. I was fortunate enough to have amazing teachers that not only taught me in the classroom, but supported me outside of the classroom, too. Therefore, I believe that Jean Anyon’s essay “Social Class and the Hidden Curriculum of Work”, does not apply in today’s society. In my experiences with attending a public school and being in middle class, I do not feel that my education is demonstrated correctly in this reading.

Key Quotes in Social Class and the Hidden Curriculum of Work

Kelly O’Neill

English 1100 3J

September 16, 2015

Professor Young

“Key Quotes in Social Class and the Hidden Curriculum of Work”

1. “The teachers continually gave the children orders. Only three times did the investigator hear a teacher in either working class school preface a directive with an unsarcastic “please,” or “let’s,” or “would you.” Instead, the teachers said, “Shut up.”

*I think that this is important because it is a good example of what the teachers are like in the Working Class Schools. Saying this to students is not acceptable no matter what social class they are in. All students attend school to learn and if a teacher is going to be negative and put them down they will believe they will never succeed. 

2. “Even if you don’t know (the answers), if you think logically about it, you can figure it out. And I’m asking you (these) questions to help you think this through.”

*This is key because Executive Elite Schools are encouraging students to think on their own. It is important for students to think on their own because when they get older there will be no body to depend on and they will need to learn how to solve things on their own.

3. “Work tasks do not usually request creativity. Serious attention is rarely given in school work on how the children develop or express their own feelings and ideas, either linguistically or in graphic form.”

*It is imperative that students express their own identity. The Middle Class Schools are developing lessons strictly so students can express themselves and their personal opinions. Some of the best work comes from saying/writing about what you are familiar with.

Students' Rights to their own language

Kelly O’Neill

English 1100 3J

September 13, 2015

Prof Young

I believe that students have the right to use their own language when discussing personal opinions. The Executive Committee of the Conference on college composition and communication found a solution to students’ rights to their own language, “We affirm strongly that teachers must have the experiences and training that will enable them to respect diversity and uphold the right of students to their own language.” However, there is a time and a place in which using our own language is appropriate. In an academic or professional setting it is necessary to speak properly and to be grammatically correct. If you are on your own time with friends, perhaps you can speak more of your own language, which may include slang, curse words or inappropriate topics that do not lend themselves to the workplace or classroom. There is a fine line between writing personally and writing inappropriately. For example, if you are writing for the school newspaper, you may write your feelings about a certain situation, but you would not speak with foul language or inappropriate content. Often times, quotes are used to get around these situations. When writing a school paper for a specific class, it is not appropriate to use your own language. This can make writing more difficult because the novice writer can most likely write with ease if it is their own language, to fully express themselves and to write with fluency. Sometimes students try to sound more intelligent by using big, fancy words. This can make their writing seem phony and almost uncomfortable. There is a balance that I would think all writers try to achieve, which is to get their point across using their own language, as much as possible, without overstepping the boundaries of what is inappropriate. When that is achieved, we get to know the writer the most. Overall, given the situation, students should have the right to express themselves through their language when the occasion is appropriate. 

What Identity means to me

Kelly O’Neill

English 1100
September 2, 2015

Prof. Young

Identity is defined as having distinct characteristics that express who you are as a unique individual, as well as the perception you give to others. To me, having an identity is very important because it shows who you are, where you are from, what your influences are and what makes you different from everyone else. In order to be your own person and to be an individual, you must have an identity. However, some people are afraid to express who they really are because they are afraid of being judged. It isn’t always easy, but it’s really important to be true to oneself. The world consists of many different people and if everyone were the same life would be pretty boring. I try very hard to say true to my identity and will not change myself, for anyone. To some people, I may come across as shy, but in reality, I am far from that. I value a lot of things, but one of the most important is my morals’. I have strong values and ideals about a lot of things and if I were to cross them I would be so disappointed in myself. Four of the most important qualities that I strive for and define me are: honesty, kindness, hard working and happy. In order to build relationships with anyone, I feel that you need to be trustworthy.  I try to put myself in other people’s shoes and to always choose kindness.  I think it is small minded to put other people down to make oneself look better. I believe is important to make an effort in everything that you do no matter how big or how small. Finally, one of the largest qualities that help define who I am is that I strive to be happy.  I try to appreciate the simple things and all of the experiences I’m so lucky to have.  

My culture also plays a role in my identity. Culture is a way of life of a group of people. It is based off behaviors, values and symbols that they accept. Generally, they are passed down from generation to generation. I learned these values that make up my identity, from my Mom. She taught me right from wrong, manners, how to treat people, how to laugh and enjoy life and how important it is to have work ethic and appreciate the people and opportunities around me. She helped shape me into the person I am and I am extremely thankful for that. I am the generations of my family that has gone before me. My identity is who I am and without it, no one would know me for me. "So if you really want to hurt me, talk badly about my language." (260)